Inklingo

How to Say "jealousy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

celos

SEH-lohsˈse.los

nounB1general
Use 'celos' when you are feeling suspicious or insecure about a romantic relationship or a close friendship, fearing that someone else might take that person's affection or attention away from you.
A lone woman standing in a simple room. A prominent, swirling green vapor cloud is visibly emanating from her chest area, symbolizing the consuming emotion of jealousy.

Examples

Sufro de celos cada vez que mi novio habla con su ex.

I suffer from jealousy every time my boyfriend talks to his ex.

Mi hermana tiene celos de mi nuevo trabajo.

My sister is jealous of my new job.

Los celos destruyeron su relación, fue muy triste.

Jealousy destroyed their relationship, it was very sad.

No le des celos a tu pareja, sé honesto.

Don't make your partner jealous, be honest.

Always Plural

Even though 'celos' means a single feeling (jealousy), it is always treated as a plural word in Spanish. This means you must use plural articles and adjectives (e.g., 'los celos', 'unos celos terribles').

Using 'Tener'

To say someone 'is jealous,' Spanish uses the verb 'tener' (to have). You say 'Tengo celos' (I have jealousy) instead of 'Soy celoso' (I am a jealous person).

Using the Singular

Mistake: “Siento celo.”

Correction: Siento celos. ('Celo' in singular means 'heat' or 'rut' for animals, not jealousy.)

envidia

en-VEE-dyaemˈbi.ðja

nounB1general
Use 'envidia' when you desire something that someone else possesses, such as their possessions, qualities, or success, and feel a pang of regret that you don't have it.
A small green monster figure hiding behind a bush, intensely watching a happy child who is holding a large, bright red balloon. The monster looks envious.

Examples

Tengo envidia de tu capacidad para viajar tanto.

I am envious of your ability to travel so much.

Siento mucha envidia por tu habilidad para hablar tres idiomas.

I feel a lot of envy for your ability to speak three languages.

Su nueva casa es la envidia del barrio.

Her new house is the envy of the neighborhood.

La envidia no te deja ser feliz.

Envy doesn't allow you to be happy.

Gender Check

Even though 'envidia' ends in '-a', remember that it is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la envidia' or 'mucha envidia'.

Envidia vs. Celos

Mistake: “Using 'celos' when you mean 'envy' for possessions.”

Correction: Use 'envidia' when you want someone else's car or success. Use 'celos' (always plural) when you fear losing your partner or something you already possess.

Celos vs. Envidia: Romantic vs. Possessions

The most common mistake is using 'celos' when you simply want something someone else has. Remember, 'celos' specifically relates to fear of losing affection or a relationship partner to a rival. 'Envidia' is for wanting someone else's possessions, talents, or achievements.

Related Translations

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